Reflection I

The Palestinian Artists’ Consortium website has been my passion project. After months of hard work and planning, it was meant to be launched in mid November 2023, but on October 7th, 2023, the war on Gaza erupted. I had always dreamt of offering a virtual platform that would bring Palestinian artists together, where they could join efforts to support each other and advance in their artistic pursuits, however, the war on Gaza has made conditions even more difficult, this time, for people around the globe. For me, as a Palestinian, I think to myself, how can I even find a muse for painting or drawing? For many, these activities are reserved for the rich and well off. At this moment, I do not feel the desire to make art, but I am still committed to serve the Palestinian art and artists.

Initially, my goal was to launch the Palestinian Artist Consortium website as fast as possible as a way to support the arts community in Palestine. As I began the work on the website with my friend, web-developer Elias Amro, we aimed for a grand launch; however, we encountered obstacle after obstacle that prohibited our progress; nothing more than the daily challenges of life in Palestine. When the war banged its drums, or excuse me, let me call it what it is…when the “genocide ” of the people of Gaza began, I started thinking about how I could help the people there. Because I live in Bethlehem (in the West Bank), which has been put under lockdown by the Israeli army, I am unable to move between cities, and it has become especially difficult and dangerous to drive in and out. However, in the midst of this turmoil, I choose to persist and continue with launching this novel project, believing it will help the community, even as a drop in the bucket. As a Palestinian artist, I am committed to using creativity to lift up and support my community during these trying times.

Thank you for reading.